Dr. Noel Chi Fen Chan Wan Kai – Oncologist / Hematologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Noel Chi Fen Chan Wan Kai is a Hematologist focused on diagnosing and managing a spectrum of blood disorders, from anemias and clotting issues to blood cancers. Practicing at St Michaels Hospital in Hamilton, ON, he is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective treatment. He addresses a wide array of benign and malignant hematologic disorders, offering both diagnostic expertise and therapeutic interventions. Patients with suspected or diagnosed blood conditions, including cancer, benefit from his specialized knowledge and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Dr. Kai graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences in 2001, in Australia. He has been practicing as a Hematologist for over 7 years, since 2017, and is certified as a CPSO Recognized Specialist in Hematology (Blood Disorders). His extensive training and experience enable him to deliver expert care in complex blood disorder cases, utilizing the latest advancements in hematology diagnostics and therapies.

With a strong commitment to multidisciplinary care, Dr. Kai emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each patient's unique needs. He is dedicated to supporting patients and their families throughout their health journey, ensuring compassionate communication and thorough explanation of all treatment options. Fluent in English, Dr. Kai is committed to providing accessible, patient-centered care in Hamilton, fostering a trusting and collaborative doctor-patient relationship. He also actively engages in ongoing research and clinical advancements to improve outcomes for his patients.

Dr. Noel Kai has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed

• Aplastic Anemia & Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Rare but serious conditions where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough new blood cells.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: A common type of anemia caused by insufficient iron, leading to reduced red blood cell production and oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Von Willebrand Disease & Other Inherited Bleeding Disorders: Genetic conditions that impair the blood's ability to clot effectively, causing prolonged or excessive bleeding.

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.
• Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that produces antibodies, leading to bone damage and other complications.

This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Noel Kai or your referring physician.

• Management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis): Treatment strategies to control blood counts, manage symptoms, and prevent complications associated with these chronic bone marrow disorders.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy (Performance or Interpretation): Performing or interpreting samples from bone marrow aspirations and biopsies to diagnose blood disorders and cancers.
• Neutropenia & Other White Blood Cell Disorders Evaluation: Investigating and managing low or abnormal white blood cell counts, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Diagnosis & Management of Multiple Myeloma, Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia & Other Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: Specialized care for cancers arising from plasma cells, utilizing novel agents, chemotherapy, and supportive care, including stem cell transplant coordination.
• Diagnosis & Multimodal Management of Leukemias (AML, ALL, CLL, CML, Hairy Cell): Comprehensive care for various types of leukemia, including diagnostic workup (bone marrow interpretation, cytogenetics, molecular testing), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and coordination for stem cell transplant where indicated.
• Management of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Diagnosis and treatment of bone marrow failure disorders, including supportive care, growth factors, and disease-modifying therapies.
• Therapeutic Apheresis Consultation (e.g., for TTP, plasma exchange indications): Consultation and coordination for procedures that separate components of blood for therapeutic purposes.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Kai provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Kai or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.

All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

St Michaels Hospital, situated in Hamilton's North End, in the Beasley neighborhood, serves as the primary practice location for Dr. Kai. The hospital is conveniently located near the Hamilton Farmers' Market and Dundurn Castle National Historic Site, making it a central point for patients. Accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), the facility ensures easy public transit access. The hospital's premises are wheelchair accessible, and paid parking options are available nearby, providing convenient access for patients and visitors. This setting offers a welcoming environment equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, supporting comprehensive hematology care for adults with suspected or diagnosed blood disorders or cancer.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Kai, an Hematologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Hematologist such as Dr. Kai are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), Dr. Kai's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kai, an Hematologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Hematologist like Dr. Kai for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.

Does Dr. Kai participate in or offer access to clinical trials?

Many oncologists and hematologists are involved in clinical research to advance cancer treatment and care for blood disorders, as participation in clinical trials can offer access to new and investigational treatments. Dr. Kai is actively involved in clinical trials and may discuss relevant trial options with you if you are eligible and it is appropriate for your condition. You can ask Dr. Kai if there are any suitable clinical trials available for your condition, either at Dr. Kai's institution or through collaborative research networks. He can provide information or refer you for consideration.

What is targeted therapy in cancer treatment?

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells with less harm to normal cells. These therapies work by targeting specific genes or proteins found in cancer cells or cells related to cancer growth, like blood vessel cells. Genetic testing of the tumor is often done to see if a targeted therapy is likely to be effective. Dr. Kai can explain if targeted therapy is an option for your cancer.

St Michaels Hospital
Donnelly Wing Room (Suite) 3-074, 237 Barton St E, Division of General Surgery
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 538-8946

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kai is a licensed Hematologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chan-Wan-Kai-Noel-Chi-Fen/0284798-99989